Charming English town with 30 antique shops and not a single empty building
- UK Hidden Gems
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
Discover the charming antiques capital of West Sussex, hidden in the heart of the South Downs, where every shop is bursting with character and treasures are waiting to be found.
Picture stepping into a historic English town with cobbled streets, lined not with chain stores, but with unique independent shops selling rare finds, vintage gems, and fascinating collectables.
This historic market town is known as the “antiques centre of the south”, a title given by the Antiques Trade Gazette.
Petworth has one of the highest numbers of antique and art dealers in the UK, with over 30 shops within just one mile. Aside from a hardware store and a chemist, every single shop here is independently run.
Each antiques shop in Petworth has its own style and speciality, giving the town a thriving, welcoming atmosphere. There are no empty shop fronts here.
The famous Petworth Antiques Market brings together more than 35 expert dealers under one roof, displaying their collections across 275 square metres of space.
Inside, you’ll find an incredible mix of antiques, vintage pieces, decorative furniture, jewellery, clothing and more. From fine china and elegant tables to retro homeware and rare collectables, the variety is endless. Petworth in West Sussex is home to over 35 antique dealers, making it one of the UK’s top destinations for antiques shopping.
One dealer explained: “When you visit, you’ll find a huge range of antiques shops, including the Petworth Antiques Market on East Street, which has sellers catering for every style and budget.”
They added: “You can be confident you’ll discover antiques full of history and character. Petworth Antiques Market is open to all, with a wide range of prices and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.”
The historic streets and listed buildings of Petworth, surrounded by the beauty of the South Downs National Park, make it a perfect place for browsing. Whether you’re buying or just window shopping, it’s an experience worth having.
David Manning from Mannings Antiques said: “Petworth Antiques Market is ideal because it’s low pressure and easy to explore. Staff are there to help, and you can see and touch the items in person, which is much better than guessing from pictures online.”
Petworth has been voted the Best Antiques Town in the UK and also has links to the famous artist JMW Turner, who often visited Petworth House. This grand stately home, run by the National Trust, is open to the public and is another must-see when exploring the town.
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